AttaCoin, a manufacturer of employee recognition gifts, has released the results of a new study of American full-time employees: “The AttaCoin 2017 Employee Appreciation Study.” This annual assessment, based on an April survey of 500 full-time employees across the US, explores employee attitudes and how they are affected by employee recognition programs. Executed in partnership with Survata, the survey is based a census-representative population sample balanced across age group, income, and geographic region.

According to the study, only 53% of employees report feeling “appreciated at work” meaning that almost half do not. This result, consistent with previous studies, indicates a major opportunity to improve productivity in the workplace. Results were consistent across genders with women and men reporting similarly: 55% of women reported feeling appreciated compared to 51% of men. This may be seen as surprising in light of demonstrated pay gaps women experience in the US workplace but reinforces that many factors, not just money, influence feelings of appreciation. Lisa Peretz, AttaCoin’s General Manager, said: “the numbers were surprising to us initially but in our business we know that appreciation is about more than just dollars."

Survey responses reinforced the need for a balance of monetary and non-monetary recognition: only 36% of respondents agreed that “appreciation is best demonstrated with money” - 24% disagreed and 41% were neutral. Managers and supervisors need to also consider the importance of tools like verbal recognition, thank you letters, physical awards, and recognition events as part of their programs. This type of recognition is often far less expensive than bonuses, gift cards, and other cash value recognition.

When it comes to verbal recognition, employees expressed a preference for private face-to-face recognition instead of public recognition. 52% of employees agreed that they “would rather be recognized privately by my manager than publicly in front of my team” (35% were neutral and 12% disagreed). Post-survey qualitative research indicates that a few factors may be at play here: the classic corporate “recognition event” has become a bit clichéd, employees are craving a more personal connection from their managers, and some employees are simply uncomfortable being “called out” even when the attention is positive. Peretz said: “In our increasingly digital world, people are more connected than ever to information but feel disconnected from people. A kind word or note from a manager can mean a lot."

Not surprisingly, employees nearly universally believe that “it’s important that employers reward employees for great work” (88% agreed with this statement). That said, only 41% believed that their employer “effectively rewards employees for great work.” The large gap between responses to these two questions points to a key reason that employees feel under-appreciated. “Most employees expect a bigger effort from their employers on the recognition front,” said Peretz. “Employers that heed the call will improve retention and have a more confident workforce.

Reinforcing this point, employees that believed their company had an effective rewards approach also felt that their work was important. 90% of employees who worked in places with effective rewards programs agreed with the statement “My work makes a difference” while only 64% of employees without these programs felt the same. Per Peretz, “Employees, especially younger employees Millennial and later, are looking for purpose. Effective rewards programs let them know that they are making an impact.”

To help employers motivate employees, AttaCoin has developed a full line of proprietary employee awards based on an over 2000-year-old military tradition. Their system has effectively been used by large Fortune 50 companies and by small businesses. The full range of AttaCoin products is available on Amazon.com (Prime) and on the company’s website, http://www.attacoin.com/.

About AttaCoin®:

AttaCoin manufactures and sells unique employee and team motivation tools to businesses, academic institutions, and to the US Military. The company is a US-based and veteran-owned business. AttaCoin was founded in 2016 by Lisa Peretz who runs the company's day-to-day operations as General Manager.